Lay summary
Pacific Island women have a higher incidence of ovarian and endometrial cancers when compared to other ethnic groups. We propose an investigation into some of the factors behind this imparity, specifically involving the visualisation of myeloid derived cell and cancer stem cell interactions/distribution within gynaecological cancer patients both in archived tissues and biopsies obtained from gynaecological cancer patients.
Additionally, oncogenic viral infection (e.g. HBV) in Pacific gynaecological cancer patients. With reference to this, the tumour microenvironment (TME) within gynaecological cancer will be investigated using different culturing methods to mimic them. Proposed methods to replicate the TME in vitro include conditioned mediums, selecting for stem cells, cross culturing within double layered transwells, and non-adherent/spheroid culturing. With this model established and in relation to the first part of this study, an investigation into specific treatment options for these cancers within Pacific women will be tested.